A detailed and unique study of early Kentucky settlement in the eastern border area of the Big Sandy River. A discussion of the discovery of a significant error in a 1785 Virginia Land Grant survey that has precipitated controversy, debate, and litigation for more than 150 years. Includes details and location of the David French patent of 1802.
Daniel Payne was born in about 1770 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. He married Nancy Paine in about 1790. He died in 1839 in Maury County, Tennessee. Includes Austin, Fox, Teague and related families.
“Kirk’s marvelous tale of one of the bloodiest Appalachian feuds is a rip-roaring page-turner! . . . a good spirited read.” —Homer Hickam, #1 New York Times–bestselling author This riveting account is the first comprehensive examination of the Lincoln County feud, a quarrel so virulent it rivaled that of the infamous Hatfields and McCoys. The conflict began over personal grievances between Paris Brumfield, a local distiller and timber man, and Cain Adkins, a preacher, teacher, doctor, and justice of the peace. The dispute quickly overtook the small Appalachian community of Hart, West Virginia, leaving at least four dead and igniting a decade-long vendetta. Based on local and national newspaper articles and oral histories provided by descendants of the feudists, this powerful narrative features larger-than-life characters locked in deadly conflict. “Not only does Blood in West Virginia present a compelling narrative of a little known feud in southern West Virginia, it provides valuable insights into the local politics, economy, timber industry and family life in Lincoln County during the late 1800s.” —Dr. Robert Maslowski, President of Council for West Virginia Archaeology and graduate instructor at the Marshall University Graduate College “Tells a fascinating story that elevates the Lincoln County feud to its proper place in Appalachian and West Virginia History.” —Dr. Ivan Tribe, author of Mountaineer Jamboree “This book brings a deadly story to life. Author Brandon Kirk has done remarkable work in untangling the complex web of kinship connections linking both friends and foes, while detailing the social and economic strains of changing times in the mountains.” —Ken Sullivan, executive director, West Virginia Humanities Council, and editor of West Virginia Encyclopedia
James Kitchen (ca.1749-1832) was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, possibly the son of James Kitchen and Martha Mathews. He served in the Revolutionary War, and married Jane Patterson in 1780 at Fort Savannah, Greenbrier County, Virginia (later West Virginia). In 1799 they moved to Russell County, Virginia, and about 1817 to Greenup (later Lawrence, now Carter) County, Kentucky. Descendants and relatives lived in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Maryland and elsewhere.
